HIV/AIDS & STDs

Definition

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact (blood transfusion, HIV infected needles) and sexual contact. The most common oral issues for HIV/AIDS individuals are: oral warts, fever blisters, hairy leukoplakia (black hairy tongue), oral thrush and canker sores. Other oral issues that occur in the mouth are: dry mouth, which can lead to cavities, and difficulty eating and communicating. If you have HIV, changes in your mouth may reflect changes in your immune status. Pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during pregnancy, delivery or after birth through breastfeeding.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that you can develop from sexual contact with someone with the infection. The most common conditions include, but are not limited to: chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV/AIDS, human papilloma viruses (HPV), syphilis and trichomoniasis. Some STDs can also affect your oral health; common symptoms of this are cold sores or sores on the inside of the mouth.